Question:
How long until I can have a protein bar?

I am 7 weeks post-op this coming thursday and I am getting in 40-50 grams of protein a day. But, I would like to get to 60 or more and I want to start protein bars. My surgeon won't return my calls, so I am asking you all here. How long was it until you got to have a protein bar?    — Paige S. (posted on May 19, 2003)

May 19, 2003
If I remember correctly, I started eating protein bars at about 10 weeks post-op. I only eat them on weekends now as my surgeon thinks the drinks are easier to digest and he suggested that I use Lactose Free Slim Fast. I have one a day Monday -Friday and on Saturdays and Sundays I have half a Detour bar. I am almost 18 months post-op and have lost 181 pounds.
   — Patty_Butler

May 19, 2003
I started eating the protien bars around 6 weeks, I just chewed them into a paste and swallowed, never had any problems and I eat 2 a day. I just could'nt stand the protien shakes! Good luck!
   — Sandy M.

May 19, 2003
I would suggest taking a bite and chewing EXTREMELY well. See how that affects your tummy, if it's okay, then go for it. As long as you chew till mush you should really be fine. Just be aware of the sugar content. Many of the bars that us post-ops LOVE (Detour, Balance, etc.) b/c they taste the best have sugar in them (hence y they taste good!) So dumping could be a problem. Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

May 20, 2003
I started at about 6 weeks having 1/4 to 1/2 of protein bars. At first I tried all the lo carb and lo or no sugar ones-yuk, yuk, yuk. Could never find one I liked. Eventually I ended up with the Balance Gold but only did 1/2 as it has 12 grams of sugar in it. Now at 15 months post op, I can eat a whole Balance Gold. Then I found Detour bars. If you can find the small ones, they only have 5 grams of sugar and 7 net carbs. And best of all, they are yummy!
   — Cindy R.